Local Assemblymember Launches Audit of LA Wildfire Response

A California assemblymember has initiated a state audit of prevention and response efforts related to the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires that killed 30 people and destroyed more than 18,000 buildings in Los Angeles County.

Assemblymember John Harabedian, a Pasadena Democrat who chairs the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, announced the audit request has been approved and will be conducted by the California State Auditor.

“Eighteen of my neighbors lost their lives in Altadena and countless more had their livelihoods upended in the Los Angeles Fires,” Harabedian said. “They and their families deserve the truth about what happened.”

The audit will examine multiple aspects of the fire response, including identifying destroyed homes, death locations and impacts on vulnerable populations. It will analyze the timeline of the fires, evacuation orders and emergency responses to assess whether systems functioned properly and in a timely manner.

Investigators will also examine fire preparedness, including brush management, building codes and resource planning, as well as whether critical information was shared with officials and the public. The audit will investigate water availability, utility shutoffs and the adequacy of firefighting and evacuation plans under extreme conditions.

“As Chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, I believe it is my duty to push for transparency, accountability, and improved readiness before the next disaster strikes,” Harabedian said. “Enough damage has been done to communities like West Altadena. We must ensure our neighborhoods are never left vulnerable again. This audit will help us build on what worked and fix what failed.”

The audit is likely to start in the fall. Harabedian represents the 41st District, which includes La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.